NATURE AND ADVENTURE TRIP - 11 DAYS
THE ENCHANTED ISLANDS
Galapagos fascinates with its volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and unique species found nowhere else in the world.
SANTA CRUZ
DAY 5 (SANTA CRUZ - LAS GRIETAS)
ISABELA
DAY 8 (ISABELA - TINTORERAS)
SAN CRISTOBAL
DAY 3 (TOUR 360*)
DURATION
11 DAYS
PRICE POR PERSON FROM
$ 3,250
MINIMUM
2 PAX
COUNTRIES
DEPARTURE
ECUADOR
EVERY SATURDAY
ITINERARY:
START OF THE JOURNEY: QUITO → QUITO (UNESCO HISTORIC CENTER) → SAN CRISTÓBAL (GALÁPAGOS) → SANTA CRUZ → ISABELA → SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO → TINTORERAS → SANTA CRUZ → BALTRA → END OF TRIP : QUITO
DAY 1:
Arrival in Quito and transfer to your hotel
Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met by your local guide at the international airport. After a warm welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel to check in and rest after your flight. Depending on your arrival time, you will have free time to begin discovering the charm of the Ecuadorian capital, located at an altitude of over 2,800 meters and surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes.
DAY 2:
Quito: Discovering the Colonial Jewel of the Andes
Ecuador's capital city captivates visitors with its spectacular location in the heart of the Andes and a fascinating history reflected in every corner. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore Quito's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the best-preserved colonial ensembles in Latin America.
During the visit, you will stroll through charming cobbled streets and discover some of the city's most emblematic monuments, such as Independence Square, the Carondelet Presidential Palace, and the impressive Church of the Society of Jesus, famous for its extraordinary baroque decoration covered in gold leaf.
The tour continues to the El Panecillo viewpoint, crowned by the iconic Winged Virgin of Quito. From this privileged vantage point, you'll enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of the city, surrounded by the majestic Andean volcanoes—one of the most photogenic landscapes in Ecuador.
The program also includes a visit to the Intiñan Museum, located next to the equator, where you can participate in curious experiments and discover the secrets of the Middle of the World, the place where the northern and southern hemispheres meet.
Throughout the day, there will be time to visit a traditional artisan market, ideal for purchasing handicrafts, textiles, and typical Ecuadorian souvenirs. In the afternoon, return to the hotel and enjoy free time to relax or continue exploring the city on your own.
Check-out at 10:00 PM. Overnight transfer to Cuyabeno
DAY 3:
Quito - San Cristóbal (Galapagos Islands)
Morning transfer to the airport and flight to the extraordinary Galápagos Islands, specifically to San Cristóbal Island. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and accommodation.
The afternoon will be free to begin discovering the magic of this unique place, where nature and humans coexist in a remarkable way and encounters with wildlife are part of everyday life. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the Pacific Ocean or explore the surroundings of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno at your own pace.
We recommend visiting the popular Playa Mann, located just a few minutes from the town center and harbor. In addition to its calm, crystal-clear waters, the beach is often occupied by friendly sea lions resting peacefully on the sand, offering an authentic Galápagos welcome. Nearby, you will find a picturesque lighthouse surrounded by black volcanic rocks, home to dozens of colorful red crabs that create a striking contrast with the lava landscape.
For hiking enthusiasts, a pleasant coastal trail leads to Punta Carola and continues towards the spectacular Cerro Tijeretas Viewpoint, offering magnificent panoramic views of the ocean and the San Cristóbal coastline. Below the viewpoint, a trail descends to Muelle Tijeretas, an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling in transparent waters teeming with marine life.
Another excellent option is to take a local taxi to beautiful Playa La Lobería, one of the island’s most recommended beaches. As its name suggests, it is home to a large colony of sea lions, allowing visitors to observe these fascinating animals in an extraordinary natural setting.
At the end of the day, we recommend watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The colors of the sky reflected on the sea, combined with the peaceful atmosphere of the Galápagos, create a truly magical experience.
DAY 4:
San Cristóbal (Galapagos Islands) / Tour 360° optional
After breakfast, you will have a free day to enjoy the island at your own pace. You can relax on its beautiful beaches, explore the surroundings of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of the Galápagos Islands, one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet.
For those looking for a more active experience, several optional excursions are available. For lovers of the sea, sailing, and snorkeling, we particularly recommend the famous 360 TOUR (approximate price: USD 190 per person).
During this unforgettable full-day excursion, you will navigate around the entire coastline of San Cristóbal Island, visiting some of the most spectacular locations in the archipelago. Throughout the journey, you will have several opportunities to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean and discover the extraordinary marine life of the Galápagos.
One of the most exciting highlights of the day is usually the visit to the iconic Kicker Rock (León Dormido), an impressive rock formation rising dramatically from the ocean. With a little luck, you may have the opportunity to swim alongside hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, and large schools of tropical fish.
The excursion also includes a stop at the spectacular Playa Sardina, where you can enjoy an almost untouched natural environment, white-sand beaches, and intensely turquoise waters. Later, at Punta Pitt, the easternmost point of the island, you will have the opportunity to observe the famous blue-footed boobies, one of the most iconic and photographed species of the Galápagos Islands.
The excursion operates with a minimum of one participant. Guests will join a small group accompanied by a local English-speaking guide. Boats usually accommodate approximately 10 to 12 passengers.
DAY 5:
From San Cristobal to Isabela (vía Santa Cruz)
After breakfast, we will transfer to the port to board a speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. During the approximately two-hour journey, we will sail across the Pacific Ocean, enjoying the spectacular marine scenery of the archipelago. With a little luck, we may spot dolphins swimming alongside the boat or some of the many seabirds that inhabit the Galápagos Islands.
Upon arrival in Puerto Ayora, we will take a small boat across to Playa Alemán, where we will begin a pleasant hike accompanied by a local guide. The trail leads through giant opuntia cacti, lava formations, and spectacular volcanic landscapes until we reach a picturesque natural crevice filled with crystal-clear water — a perfect place to swim, relax, or snorkel surrounded by the unique nature of the Galápagos.
Along the way, we will enjoy magnificent views of the coastline and the volcanic landscape that characterizes the island. After a stop at a panoramic viewpoint, we will return to the port to continue our adventure.
We will then board another speedboat to Isabela Island, the largest and one of the most fascinating islands in the archipelago. We will arrive in Puerto Villamil, a charming coastal village known for its peaceful atmosphere, spectacular white-sand beaches, and unforgettable sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
Upon arrival, accommodation for two nights with breakfast included. The rest of the afternoon will be free to enjoy the island at your own pace. You can relax on its extensive sandy beaches, swim in the warm ocean waters, or stroll along the coast as the sun sets over the horizon.
For those wishing to explore further, bicycles can be rented in the village to independently discover the island’s peaceful surroundings while enjoying some of the most authentic and pristine landscapes of the Galápagos Islands.
DAY 6:
Sierra Negra Volcano and the Volcanic Landscapes of Isabela
After breakfast, we will set out accompanied by a local guide for a fascinating half-day excursion to the impressive Sierra Negra Volcano, the second-highest volcano and one of the most active in the entire Galápagos archipelago.
This extraordinary region offers a unique combination of volcanic landscapes, humid highland forests, and remarkably diverse vegetation. The northern slopes of the volcano are frequently covered by clouds and mist, creating a particularly fertile microclimate that supports lush vegetation. Thanks to these conditions, some of the first settlers on Isabela Island established themselves in this area, between Puerto Villamil and the small agricultural community of Santo Tomás in the island’s interior.
One of Sierra Negra’s greatest attractions is its enormous caldera, considered one of the largest in the world. During the hike, we will observe different types of lava flows and volcanic formations from various geological periods, creating a spectacular, almost otherworldly landscape. The area is also home to interesting birdlife and, with a little luck, we may spot species such as the elegant great egret, along with other birds native to the Galápagos.
After returning to Puerto Villamil, we will have free time to continue exploring the island independently. We recommend visiting La Galapaguera, the conservation and breeding center where you can observe the famous Galápagos giant tortoises in a semi-natural environment closely resembling their original habitat.
From there, you can continue along a marked trail leading to several coastal lagoons frequented by elegant pink flamingos, one of the island’s most striking sights. Along the way, you are also likely to encounter numerous marine iguanas, unique reptiles found nowhere else in the world, whose prehistoric appearance perfectly reflects the wild and exceptional character of the Galápagos Islands.
DAY 7:
Free day in Isabela
After breakfast, you'll have a free day to enjoy Isabela Island, the largest and one of the wildest in the Galápagos archipelago. You can relax on its expansive white-sand beaches, stroll through the tranquil town of Puerto Villamil, or explore the island on your own.
Optionally, you can take one of the most popular excursions, such as the hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the largest volcanic craters in the world, snorkel in Los Túneles, considered one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Galapagos, visit Las Tintoreras, home to reef sharks, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins, or discover the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, dedicated to the conservation of the emblematic giant tortoises.
DAY 8:
Las Tintoreras: Penguins, Sharks & Galápagos Wildlife – Santa Cruz
After breakfast, we will enjoy an exciting half-day excursion to the fascinating Las Tintoreras Islet, one of the most spectacular and iconic natural sites on Isabela Island. Accompanied by a local guide, we will navigate along the volcanic coastline in a small boat, discovering some of the most extraordinary ecosystems in the entire archipelago.
During the excursion, we will have the opportunity to observe an incredible variety of endemic wildlife in its natural habitat. Among the highlights are the charming Galápagos penguins, famous blue-footed boobies, graceful sea turtles, and the characteristic white-tipped reef sharks, locally known as tintoreras, which can often be seen resting in the crystal-clear channels and crevices formed between ancient lava flows.
Las Tintoreras is also home to one of the largest concentrations of marine iguanas in the Galápagos. These remarkable reptiles, found nowhere else in the world, move among the black volcanic rocks, creating a scene that seems almost prehistoric.
The excursion also includes a snorkeling session in crystal-clear waters, where we may swim among colorful tropical fish, observe sea turtles, and discover the extraordinary richness of the Galápagos underwater world.
We will then take a walk along the islet’s trails, exploring impressive formations of solidified lava shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions. The contrast between the black volcanic rocks, coastal vegetation, and intense turquoise waters creates some of the most photogenic landscapes in the entire archipelago.
At the end of the excursion, we will return to Puerto Villamil. In the afternoon, we will board a speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, continuing our adventure through one of the most extraordinary places on the planet.
Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the afternoon will be free at your leisure.
DAY 9:
Santa Cruz: Paradise Beaches & Excursions in the Galápagos Islands
This day is yours to enjoy at your own pace, whether relaxing on the beach, strolling through Puerto Ayora, or discovering some of the most beautiful corners of Santa Cruz Island. For those wishing to continue exploring the wonders of the archipelago, several optional excursions are available, offering the opportunity to discover different ecosystems, landscapes, and iconic species of the Galápagos.
One of the most popular options is a visit to Tortuga Bay (approx. USD 30 per person), accompanied by a local guide. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Santa Cruz, this spectacular location is known for its white sand, turquoise waters, and abundant wildlife. During the visit, you may observe marine iguanas, pelicans, coastal birds, and occasionally sea turtles. Its peaceful atmosphere and extraordinary natural beauty make it a true tropical paradise.
For those wishing to discover other islands of the archipelago, several full-day excursions are also available:
• NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND / up to approx. USD 300
One of the best places in the Galápagos for wildlife watching. Here you can observe frigatebirds with their distinctive red throat pouches, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and marine iguanas roaming freely in their natural habitat. The excursion includes an English-speaking local guide, yacht navigation, and lunch.
• BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND / up to approx. USD 360
Considered one of the most photogenic islands in the Galápagos, Bartolomé is renowned for its spectacular volcanic landscapes and almost lunar appearance. From its famous viewpoint overlooking the iconic Pinnacle Rock, you can enjoy one of the most emblematic panoramas in the entire archipelago. The excursion includes snorkeling, an English-speaking local guide, yacht navigation, and lunch.
• SANTA FE ISLAND & SNORKELING / approx. USD 170
An excellent option for lovers of the underwater world. The excursion combines navigation and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, with opportunities to observe sea turtles, tropical fish, rays, and playful sea lions. It includes an English-speaking instructor and lunch.
• FLOREANA ISLAND / approx. USD 240
The most mysterious island in the Galápagos, famous for stories of pirates, settlers, and legends that form part of its fascinating past. This excursion combines pristine nature, spectacular coastal landscapes, and intriguing historical stories revealing some of the archipelago’s most enigmatic episodes. It includes an English-speaking local guide, boat transportation, and a light refreshment.
DAY 10:
From Galapagos to Quito
Early in the morning we will transfer to the Baltra Island airport, from where we will take the flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland, bound for Quito.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in. The rest of the day will be free to relax after your adventure in the Galapagos Islands or to take a stroll through the city.
DAY 11:
Farewell to Ecuador and return
After breakfast, you will have free time to enjoy your last few hours in Quito, take a stroll through the city, visit some of its most iconic attractions, or simply relax before your return journey. At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight back to Europe. This concludes an unforgettable trip through the breathtaking landscapes of Ecuador and the extraordinary Galapagos Islands, a place where nature remains the true star.
See you soon, Ecuador!
VIAJES DE AUTOR